Looks like bird damage.

I had the same problem with my plums, but...I decided to outsmart the birds. I covered my plums with old newspaper and It worked--finally I was able to have some tree-ripened plums.

Bird damage...

So what is the solution to bird damage. Cover each apple with a ziplock bag? I am new to this. For the last 5 years we have had a dismal crop of apples. Will my honeycrisp and snowsweets go through this when they start turning red?

get some "reflective bird tape" off ebay or etc. I used it for the first time this year to save black berries. it works very well, with only a couple exceptions. A robin was near one on a cloudy evening, although bushes between. and a cardinal seemed unworried. But no problems with birds even though two different neighbors have bird feeders within 30 feet of my bushes. It does not work on squirrels at all

I have never had trouble with birds until this year. After losing all early peaches to brown rot, I lost the entire middle crop to woodpeckers. They endlessly robbed all my berries and have now started to decimate my pears. The red headed variety has been the worst with red bellies not far behind. Out of 16 peach trees, I ended up with less than half a bushel only by picking early.

Eurolarva:

I recall from my experiences years ago working at a commercial orchard that birds often attacked early season apples when they started to turn red. They did not seem to bother apples that ripened later.

Not sure why birds do this only on early apples, but I do
not think it will be a problem with Honeycrisp or other mid-season varieties.

I recall it being bad on apples that ripened real early like
Beacon, Quinte, Paula Red ect.

Is it dry where you're growing? Last year I had awful bird damage during the drought.

You can net the tree and/or use bags, but desperate/determined birds will get some fruit regardless.

Maybe trying putting out some birdbaths ...i keep mine full every day..

I found a sprayable bird repellent online. Called R-avex . It is based on grape skins.Has anyone tryed it?

I have about 50 old cds and a couple of disposible pie pans hanging from the tree. A couple of my honey crisp have been attacked but all the zestars are only eaten where they are starting to blemish to the red side. I sure hope sparten apple is correct. We had a perfect wet spring and early summer was mild in temp and because of it all my trees are loaded with fruit. Last year we had a frost that killed all the blossums and left us with 5 apples total for three trees.

I tried the CDs with cherries. Birds undeterred.